Cards Cove - A St. Louis Cardinals Blog

Spring Training News

2010-03-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

Hope everybody had a fun and safe St. Pat's Day.

Here's the top news from spring training this week:

On Monday, The Mets scored 2 in the 9th inning off of Pete Parise to walk off 6-5. Ludwick drove in 2 runs, Albert Pujols drove in 1, and Felipe Lopez collected 2 hits. Brad Penny was unable to continue rolling from the momentum of his last strong start and was roughed up to the tune of 3 runs in 3.2 innings.
The Cards lost to the Nationals on Tuesday 4-2. Ryan Ludwick and Nick Stavinoha both collected hits apiece, but the Cards collectively went 2-11 at the plate with runners in scoring position. Kyle Lohse got pretty beat up and gave up 4 runs on 7 hits in 4 innings. Jaime Garcia was impressive in relief, throwing 3 scoreless innings, while allowing only 1 hit and striking out 7.
After a day off on Wednesday, the Cards lost again on Thursday to the Braves by a score of 5-3. That drops the Cards to a record of 5-8 this spring. To keep consistent, Rich Hill was beaten up his start as well. He gave up 3 runs in 3 innings on only 2 hits, but he walked 5 batters.
The Cards' 2009 Rule 5 draft pick, Ben Jukich, was returned to the Reds. By rule, the Birds would have had to keep him on the 25 man active roster for a full year in order to keep him. The when the Cards realized that was not going to happen, Jukich was returned. La Russa was hoping to work out some sort of trade with Cincinnati to keep him, but no deal was reached.
In injury news: Julio Lugo should be back in the lineup by Monday, Brendan Ryan should be back full time in a week or so and is available to pinch run or play defense right now, and Matt Holliday is also making slow but steady progress.

Howard For Pujols? Keep Dreamin' Philly

2010-03-15T17:35:00.001-05:00

I feel like I need to comment on the whole "Albert Pujols for Ryan Howard" trade.

The only problem is that I don't even know where to begin with how ridiculous this story is. And I am even more surprised that an ESPN guy, Buster Olney, would bring up something as heinous as this.

It would not make any sense at all for the Cardinals. Financially, Ryan Howard is making more than Pujols this year. Not to mention, he will command a contract near the amount of Pujols. It's not like it will save the Cards a ton of money in the short-term or the long-run.

I wonder if Buster Olney is spreading rumors about me right now.

The main reason, however, that this trade would never take place is purely talent related. Not to discredit Howard at all. He is an amazing player. But he's no Pujols. Howard has power and run scoring abilities. Pujols has those same skills, along with a much better glove, and about 12,000 fewer strikeouts...per season.

I can't remember where I read it, but I read a tip for Buster Olney last night. He just needs to stay away from the Cardinals and do what ESPN pays him to do and cover the Yankees and Red Sox.

Cardinals Weekend News

2010-03-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick run down of all the Cardinals news from this past weekend:

The Cards beat the Astros on Saturday, 8-5. The Cards had 7 doubles and 2 homers in the game. The HRs were from Julio Lugo and Ryan Ludwick. Chris Carpenter pitched solidly for the most part, but was still a little shaky at times. He gave up 2 runs on 4 hits in his 3 innings of work, but also struck out 5 batters. And the 2 runs were scored on one mistake when he left a fat pitch over the plate to Astros rookie Chris Shelton.
Albert Pujols was back in the line up Saturday and looked to be in good shape. He ripped the first pitch he saw in the 1st inning on a line to center for a single. He doubled down the line in his second AB and walked in his final plate appearance before giving way to a pinch runner.
The Cards won again on Sunday beating Washington 7-3. The pitching match up was a doozie as Wainwright was set to duel against Nats phenom Stephen Strasburg. Adam Wainwright worked 4 innings and gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. Pujols, who is taking it easy, took Sunday off and Allen Craig filled in for him at first base. Craig went 2-5 and drove in a run.
I know Colby Rasmus has been off to a hot start this spring (.364, 2 HR, 7 RBI), and he was in the clean up spot in the order today, but Washington was overly careful with the cheese man on Sunday. Colby walked in all 4 of his plate appearances.
There is a stupid rumor going around from 'inside sources' that the Phillies offered the Cardinals a trade - Howard for Pujols. This is ridiculous. Both the Cards and Phillies deny the report...obviously.

Finally, it appears that one of the possible candidates for the Birds' 5th starer has been passed on. Mitchell Boggs pitched in the 9th inning on Sunday, and that may have been for a reason.

"I like him as a reliever, we're not really looking at him as a starting pitcher," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "We think he can be an impact reliever for us. He has a power sinker, and he's got the making of a real good slider. If he's had any problems, its a little inconsistency, but based on the latter part of the season last year, where he really came around and was throwing good, we got real excited with the potential of him being a real impact reliever."

Who's still up for the job? Hill?...Garcia?

Cardinals All-Decade Team Named

2010-03-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

MLB.com out together a 3 man committee to pick the last decade's best Redbirds. We already made our picks for the best team from the 2000s here at Cards Cove. [link to CardsCove's All Decade Team] But it would be nice to see how Cards Cove's choices stack up against those of the professionals.

The committee consisted of Fox Sports TV and radio announcer Dan McLaughlin, Post Dispatch writer Rick Hummel, and Cardinals media relation officer Chris Tunno.

Here is what they came up with:

table from mlb.com

I don't see any positions where I disagree with the selection. The committee did a great job in my opinion.

I wonder how many of these players will repeat and make the All-Decade Team for 2010-2019...Pujols? Molina? Carpenter? Wainwright? Ludwick? La Russa?? Let me know who you think might be a 2 time All-Decade Team member.

In Jupiter news, it is still the 5th planet away from the sun and the largest in out solar system...*insert eye roll* I crack myself up...not really.

And in Cardinal spring training news, their game on Friday against the Red Sox was washed out and will be made up March 22.

Lohse's are Red, Cardinals Are Too

2010-03-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

Lohse's are red, Cardinals are too,

they might wait til the ninth,

but they'll do what they do.

See what I did there? Lohse's sounds like Roses...kind of. See? Pretty witty, eh?

Kyle Lohse followed the example set by Brad Penny yesterday and pitched 4 shut out innings of his own as the Cards beat the Marlins on Thursday 5-3. Lohse was carving up more Marlin than a Joe's Crab Shack. In his 4 innings, he allowed only 2 hits and struck out 2 while walking nobody.

The Cards' offense did not come to life until the 9th inning, when they scored all 5 of their runs. Joe Mather plated 1 to tie the game and Shane Robinson drove 2 runs across in the rally. Let's not get into that habit already, Cardinals. Seemed like last season, the offense didn't even try until at least the 7th. My heart can't take another year of that.

In injury news...

Brendan Ryan should be back in action by March 20. I don't know how set in stone that date is, but I'm sure he's trying to get back as soon as he can.
There's this guy, Albert Pujols. Ever heard of him? He's still out with discomfort in his back. He does plan however to be back in action on Friday.
There's this other guy, Matt Holliday. I think the Cards spent a few bucks on him in the offseason. There is still no timetable on his return from his rib cage injury, though he still categorizes the problem as a small one and not a large one.

News From Jupiter: Cards Win, Pujols and Holliday Scratched

2010-03-10T18:17:00.000-06:00

The Cardinals earned their second win of the spring season on Wednesday afternoon by a score of 6-4. Although, no matter what time of year it is, you should expect to beat the Washington Nationals.

Brad Penny pitched spectacularly as he went 4 innings and gave up no runs on only 1 hit, a single to Adam Dunn. It was a nice recovery from his last start on Friday against the Mets when he gave up 3 runs on 6 hits in only 2 innings of work. Looks like he might already be scraping off that winter rust.

The pitchers following Penny, however, were less than spectacular. Ryan Franklin gave up 3 runs in 1.1 innings, and Boggs got the save pitching the 8th and 9th, but gave up a run on 2 hits.

At the plate, Allen Craig got his first rips of the spring. And boy, did he make them count. His first time up in the second inning, he ripped a 2 run homer off of Garrett Mock. Then in the seventh he doubled in another run off of Nats' closer, Matt Capps.

Also of note at the plate: David Freese had his second consecutive multi-hit game as he went 2-3, and Colby Rasmus drove in his 6th RBI of the spring in only 7 games.

Probably the biggest news of the game was the 2 guys who didn't play. Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday were both expected to play, but were both last minute scratches. Pujols is still dealing with some lower back soreness and Holliday is listed as day-to-day with a rib cage issue. Both are expected to be back within the next few days.

Tuesday News: Carp, Rasmus, Ryan, Craig, and Waino

2010-03-09T18:13:00.000-06:00

Here are the top news tidbits from the past couple of days in the easiest way to read them, bullet pointed:

Cards lost Monday to Red Sox 7-6. (Box Score) Evan MacLane gave up 2 runs in bottom of the ninth to get the loss.
Carpenter got his first start of the spring in Monday's loss. He looked like he had a few kinks to work out. In his 2 innings, Carp gave up 4 hits but only allowed 1 run to cross the plate. At least he's not battling an injury. Knock on wood. And not that MDF stuff. Real wood.
Cards lost again Tuesday to the Twins 7-6. (Box Score) The Twins scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th. David Freese, who had an otherwise good day going 2-5, got picked off at first for the final out in the 9th.
Wainwirght struggled in his first start of the spring against the Twins on Tuesday. In 2 innings, he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and no strikeouts. Oh, and don't forget a wild pitch, too. But he'll be alright when the regular season starts up. Where's that wood again?
Colby Rasmus continued his quick start on Tuesday when he ripped his second home run of the spring in the 5th inning. His first homer came against the Marlins' Josh Johnson on Saturday.
Allen Craig is expected to make his much anticipated debut on Wednesday after missing the first 6 spring games with a sore left quad.
Finally, Brendan Ryan is looking like he is ahead of schedule in returning to the field. He played catch on Monday and everything went well. Now, he is expected to be in the cages to swing the bat as early as Friday.

Pujols Out! Oh No...

2010-03-08T12:37:00.001-06:00

Oh no.

All we heard all winter long was how Pujols was going to be playing for the first time in years with no pain.

And now we find out today that Pujols will sit out at least 2 games with discomfort in his back and will be reevaluated on Wednesday.

Mozeliak said: "I just spoke to one of our trainers back there working [at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter], and he said [Pujols] feels good, much better. You want to be smart. You don't want to take something small and make it big."

Cards vs. Marlins Sunday Recap

2010-03-08T12:35:00.000-06:00

Cards 7, Marlins 4
Box Score

Finally, we get to put a tally in the W column.

Joe Mather was the hero filling in for Pujols at first and went 2-3 and drove in 4 runs in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

Not to much else to talk about offensively, other than Molina going 2-2. But the real question is, what do we do with Joe Mather? He played first Sunday, but obviously that position will not get him any playing time. Mather's best shot of making the team would have been trying out at third base...before Felipe Lopez showed up. And he might have had a shot in the outfield...but we signed that Holliday guy.

So where do we put Mather? ...I hope you didn't expect me to have an answer. Because I don't. That is why I am asking you.

Pitching wise, 2 guys vying for that coveted final rotation spot both pitched well. Kyle McClellan got the win after throwing 3 innings of shut out, one hit ball while striking out 4. Rich Hill followed with 2 innings and gave up only one run on 2 hits. Not too shabby boys. Competition makes players play harder.

Cards have the Sox of the Red variety on Monday. Let's get win number 2.

Cards Spring Training Game 3 Wrap Up

2010-03-06T16:50:00.001-06:00

Final Score - Marlins 6, Cards 5
Box Score

Strongest Link: Colby Rasmus (2-2, HR, RBI, R, BB)
Weakest Link: Cards Defense (2 errors, 3 unearned runs)

Though the Cards lost their third consecutive spring training game on Saturday, it was by far their most promising game yet.

Colby Rasmus continued his strong spring hitting a 2nd inning homer off of Marlin ace Josh Johnson. Jon Jay also compiled 2 hits in the game.

The Cards had some bright spots on the mound today as well. Lohse danced in and out of trouble for 2.2 innings and gave up only one run despite allowing 7 base runners. Jaime Garcia threw 3 innings of no hit ball and Ryan Franklin tossed 2 shut out innings of his own.

The only real trouble the Cards had was with their defense. The 3 unearned runs allowed in the 4th turned out to be the difference in the game.

All in all, it was the best game the Birds have played so far this spring. They're getting closer and closer every day. Lets see if they can get that illusive first spring win tomorrow.

Next Game: Sunday 12:05 central, vs. Marlins
What to expect: Kyle McClellan will get the start with Rich Hill, Blake Hawksworth, Dennys Reyes, and Josh Kinney expected to pitch as well.

Cards Spring Training Game 2 Recap

2010-03-05T15:11:00.002-06:00

Final Score - Mets 7, Cards 3
Box Score

Strongest Link: Colby Rasmus (2-3, 2 RBI)
Weakest Link: Mitchell Boggs (2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER)

The Cards are now 0-2 this spring. They have actually been a fairly strong spring training team in recent years. The Birds have not posted a losing record in spring training since 2003 when they went 12-15-2. That was the only year in the last 10 years that the Cards were below .500 in the spring.

Brad Penny got his first look at live action in a Cardinals uniform on Friday afternoon. He wasn't dominant, but ended strong. After giving up 3 runs in the 1st, Penny hurled a scoreless second.

Penny was then pulled for Lance Lynn, who was very impressive. Lynn threw 3 hitless frames and struck out 3 batters.

Mitchell Boggs really hurt his chances today to take that open 5th position in the rotation. Coming in to a 1 run game in the 8th, Boggs pitched a scoreless inning, but came back for the 9th and gave up 3 runs.

Pujols, Molina, and Holliday were all in the lineup today after all three sat out the first Grapefruit League game yesterday. Yadi had a hit in 4 trips, Albert went 0-2 but did drive in a run, and Holliday reached base in all 3 of his at bats with a double and 2 walks.

Colby Rasmus was impressive at the dish going 2-3 and driving in 2 RBIs with 2 outs. Lugo also had 2 hits including a double.

Next Game: Saturday at 12:05 central
What to expect: Kyle Lohse will get his first start of the spring. Jaime Garcia and Ryan Franklin are among the list of pitchers also expected to get in some work.

Cards Spring Training Game 1 Recap

2010-03-04T19:17:00.000-06:00

Final Score - Mets 17, Cards 11
Box Score

Strongest Link: Ludwick (2-3, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBI)
Weakest Link: Zink & Samuel (2.2 IP, 11 ER, 8 H, 6 BB, 1 K)

It was an omen of a bad game to come as the Mets lead off hitter

Pitching was not the strong point in the Cards' spring training opener on Thursday. The 2 teams combined for 28 runs...on 27 hits. The Cards' pitching handed out 10 free passes.

I actually turned the game off after the 6th inning. I was so amped up to watch the game, and I had to turn it off. I have to keep telling myself that it doesn't matter yet. I was disappointed to see that Pujols, Holliday and Molina would all not be in the game.

Let me get the negatives out of the way. Charlie Zink. His knuckle ball was not knuckling. It was floating. And the Mets were swinging. Zink's pitches certainly did not have the element of surprise. See what I did there? Zink? Element? I am so clever. There. Got that out of the way.

Now let's look at the positives. Ryan Ludwick looked like he was in mid season form. He was hitting the ball well. But so were the rest of the Birds. I mean, they did muster 11 runs. Joe Mather and Ruben Gotay each had 2 hits as well.

Pitching wise, I did see a thing or two that I liked. Adam Ottavino has very strong stuff...when he can control it. He pitched 2 hitless innings early in the game when many of the Mets starters were still in the game. He did give up 1 run however due to the 3 walks he issued. Maybe it was just nerves. But if he can settle down, I see big things in Ottavino's future.

Next game: Friday, 12:05pm, Cards vs. Mets

Is Everyone Ready?

2010-03-03T15:27:00.000-06:00

I know everyone missed me yesterday. I'm sorry, I was just so exhausted from moving.

But I'm back. And just in time, too.

Less than 24 hours away from the Cards first Grapefruit League game tomorrow at noon against the Mets. I will definitely be watching as Evan MacLane squares off against New York's R.A. Dickey.

I look forward to seeing the young guys get some work in.

All I left to say is that I am ready for some baseball.

Cards Cove Blogger of the Week

2010-03-01T10:00:00.010-06:00

Cards Cove was named Cardinal Blogger of the Week over at the Sports Hot Corner.

I am honored to be selected. Cards Cove started off as just a hobby and is quickly turning into so much more. Thank you to my readers.

Keep reading! Share Cards Cove with your Cardinal buddies.

Today is moving day as I am moving to St. Louis. I look forward to many Cardinal games this season.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Breaking News: Cards Sign Felipe Lopez

2010-02-26T22:08:00.000-06:00

As reported by ESPN's Buster Olney and SI.com's Jon Heyman, Felipe Lopez and the Cardinals have agreed on a one year deal.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.75 mil plus possible bonuses for performance.

For the time being, it appears that he will remain a back up for Freese at third. But I'm sure if he doesn't pan out, Felipe will be more than happy to take that starting job.

Memphis Redbirds Contest

2010-02-25T19:50:00.000-06:00

Redbirds Fan,

The 2009 Pacific Coast League Champions are debuting a new gameday program this year. The program will be available to fans free of charge as they enter AutoZone Park. It will have all of the latest news and information you need to stay in the know. There is just one problem, it has no name!
The Redbirds staff is looking to tap into the creative minds of our fans to come up with a name for this new addition to our game experience. Fans using twitter can send a direct or @ message to our page at twitter.com/memphisredbirds. Facebook users can write their suggestions on Nostalgia Man's wall at facebook.com/nostalgia.man.
The fan with the winning name will receive two 10-game You Pick 'Em Plans, a framed copy of the first issue of the program, and on-field recognition at our home opener on April 16th.
The contest ends FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th at 5pm so get your suggestions in now!

Head to Twitter, Facebook or memphisredbirds.com for more information.
For more information on ticket packages or group outings, call (901) 722-0299 or click here.

Franklin Mulling Retirement in 2011

2010-02-25T13:33:00.000-06:00

With the snow melting away (finally), and spring on the horizon, baseball is definitely in the air. But for some guys, that smell is getting tiresome.

The 36 year old, 10 season veteran, Ryan Franklin told reporters in Jupiter that he is considering hanging it up after his contract runs out after the 2011 season. It will be sad to see him and that weird beard leave, but it's hard to argue with his reasoning. The P-D reports: "Franklin's 5-year-old daughter looked at the Cardinals' closer with her puppy-dog eyes and said, 'Daddy, I wish you had another job where you were here.'"

How can you not retire after that? Oh yeah, because you just signed a 2 year, $6.5 million contract. Just explain to your daughter how many Barbies she can buy with that much money. I did the math - that's 325,000 Barbies. Dream house and convertible not included.

But in all honesty, I can see his point of view. But...what will the Cards do if he retires? He did struggle when it counted most last year, but to be fair it was his first year in the official full-time closers role and either fatigue or nerves might have played a factor. And he did still finish the season with 38 saves and a 1.92 ERA.

But what would the Birds do? Would they bring up someone from the farm? Would they shop the free agent market? Odds are they would would bring someone up. In 2011, (hopefully) fresh off the heels of their huge contract that they just gave Pujols, the Cards will probably be trying to save wherever they can.

I'm hoping that someone can emerge from the minors this year and be a shut down closer. That would be nice. I'll wait til the clock shows 11:11 and that is what I will wish for.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Cards Still Interested In Felipe Lopez?

2010-02-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

The Cards have announced that Brendan Ryan should be ready to go by opening day, so they have no need to shop around for a shortstop. But that doesn't mean that they are finished shopping all together.

Felipe Lopez is still on the radar. And rightfully so.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported via Twitter: "Heard this: Official involved in the Felipe Lopez bidding still thinks he'll wind up with the Cardinals, in the end. We'll see."

I have said it before and I'll say it another thousand times, I would be more than happy to have Felipe back in St. Louis. He is so much more than a back up infielder. He could be the Cards' new Oquendo.

In 2008, he played only 43 games with the Cards. Offensively, he went to town. He batted .385 with a .964 OPS, hit 4 homers, drove in 21 runs, and even stole 4 bases. Those are pretty solid numbers. Especially when you just changed teams and you have the added pressure of trying to prove yourself to your new teammates and coaches.

But defensively he was a huge asset as well.In those short 43 games, he played every position except for pitcher, catcher and center field. He's very versatile and can swing the bat? Bring him back!

He's be a great candidate for those famous Tony LaRussa Sunday lineups. You know, the ones where he gives everybody the day off and you end up with Khalil Greene leading off and Jason LaRue hitting clean-up.
Stick Felipe in for whoever needs a day off and he will get very steady playing time and we could keep his bat in the lineup.

Come on, Mo. Sign him.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Ryan Should Be Ready To Go By Opening Day

2010-02-23T10:00:00.001-06:00

So Brendan Ryan will get better.

At least we still hope he will.

Reports from MLB.com states that Ryan fully expects to be in the opening day lineup on April 5th and will be fully recovered from his wrist surgery that he had earlier this month.

In completely unrelated news, Julio Lugo is apparently auditioning for a reserve role in the outfield. Wonder if he'll get a call back... Or better, I wonder where you sign up for these auditions. I played outfield when I was like 9. So I might be a little rusty. But at least I have some experience.

Think about it Tony.

Good day to all. See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Monday Mail Day

2010-02-22T09:58:00.000-06:00

Hope everybody had a great weekend. Back to the grind...

Last Tuesday, I received this comment from a reader regarding the Redbirds pitching:

"So your blog got me thinking...who was the last starting pitcher that the Cards brought up through their minor league system? I can't think of anybody! And don't say Brad Thompson!"

Trust me reader, Brad Thompson was the last name to come to my mind. While they may be in the minority in terms of our pitching staff as a whole, the Cards have brought up some pretty decent arms through the farm system, even within recent memory.

The first name to come to mind is Matt Morris. The Cards took him in the 1st round (12th overall pick) in the 1995 draft. After a couple years in the minors, he came up in '97 and went 12-9 with a 3.19 ERA and 3 complete games. Not to mention he finished 2nd in RoY voting. (Ironically losing out to Scott Rolen)

But overall, I would call that a pretty decent arm brought up from the minors.

Another decent arm to come up through the Cards farm system, though we never gave him a chance to grow at the Major League level, is Dan Haren. (Or then he might have still been going by Danny) The Cards took Haren in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft, and debuted in '03 and pitched 2 seasons with the good guys until we thought a Haren for Mulder deal with Oakland would be a good idea...

Some others include:

Rick Ankiel (also was 2nd in RoY voting in '00)
Anthony Reyes (not so great there, his record was 2-14 in '07)
Brad Thompson (see below)

Yes, I did say I wouldn't say Brad Thompson. But I lied. Deal with it. Brad Thompson does get a hard time, especially around Cards Cove, but in all fairness he really hasn't been all that terrible. In the last 5 years with the Cards, Thompson has been an (at times) effective reliever as well as a respectable fill-in spot starter. He has compiled a 21-17 record with the Birds, as well as a decent 4.36 ERA. You could do worse. (See Mike Maroth)

Anyway, I am done for today. Is there somebody I forgot? Let me know!

Til tomorrow, good day Cards Fans.

Cardinal Blogger Of The Week

2010-02-20T08:05:00.006-06:00

Sports Hot Corner
Presents
The Cardinal Blogger of the Week

As we await the start of the 2010 season, I decided to start up the season with something new here at Sports Hot Corner – an introduction of bloggers who cover the Cardinals. Most of these writers are not paid to cover the Cards, but do so out of their love of the game and especially their love of the Cardinal organization.

Sports Hot Corner has introduced its newest feature to its message board community – The Cardinal Blogger of the Week. The second blogger to be recognized is the Cardinals Best News Links. The feature is located at - http://sportshotcorner.yuku.com/topic/506

In addition, on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM Central, the United Cardinal Blogger Radio Hour, will have the Cardinals minor league director John Vuch on as a guest on another special edition of the show. Dustin from Whiteyball and Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will quiz him about St. Louis's farm system and who we should keep an eye on this season.

Interesting Read

2010-02-19T11:03:00.000-06:00

I was scanning the Cards site and came across a story about McGwire on the job for his first official day. The article discussed how McGwire seemed very comfortable with the media and apologized over and over again for his mistakes, but that he has moved on and wishes everybody else would move on to. For a McGwire fan, it was a very good read. (link to article)

On MLB websites, it allows readers the chance to comment under the articles and I read one that I particularly enjoyed and wanted to share with everybody. The users name is PootyWalnuts.

"For all you McGwire haters, let me say this. I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. I've been to hundreds of A's and Giants games. Big Mac was hitting 500 ft. bombs when he was barely old enough to buy a beer. Barry Bonds on the other hand couldn't hit his weight until after he mysteriously gained 30 lbs. of muscle in his mid to late 30's. Yet, he's the "Home Run King," no questions asked. Clemens was throwing gas into his 40's, did anyone question that? McGwire is one of the nicest guys in baseball. LEAVE HIM ALONE, you media sharks. As far as the whole asterisk next to his numbers. Give me a break. Are there asterisks next to all those old time pitchers who were throwing spitballs and scuffed balls? Throwing looser wound balls from a higher mound. Should we give Mays 50 more HR's because CF at the polo grounds was 500 ft. ? Or should we take 50 away because the corners were only 280 ft.? What about that joke of a shoebox they call New Yankee Stadium. I'd rather watch a roideded out monster crush a long ball than Johnny Damon slap a one-handed pooch that carries just over that little league fence in the Bronx. Real baseball fans know which records are legit and which ones are tainted."

I read this and the only thought I had was, 'Couldn't have put it better myself." It's nice to know that there are other people out there that agree with me on the McGwire/Bonds issue.

Not to mention I always enjoy a good jab at the Yankees.

Anyway, have a good weekend. I'll see you Monday.

Cards Still Could Spend Some More Cash

2010-02-18T10:06:00.000-06:00

Apparently, spending is contagious. Mozeliak spends a little cash, and then spends a lot, and still wants to spend some more.

Mozeliak was quoted as saying:

“When you look at it in the terms of looking outside the organization the clock is definitely ticking on the free agent market. But there is a name or two there that could still fit the bill should we need to go down that path."

J-Mo told the P-D that any free agents out there want to sign quickly. One possible candidate that is still available is Felipe Lopez. I wouldn't mind seeing Lopez in our lineup again. He's done good things lately with other teams, too.

Sorry I'm kind of short on time today.

See ya tomorrow Cards Fans.

Announcement Wednesday

2010-02-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

Two Special Editions Of The UCB Radio Hour
On the heels of their interview with Kyle McClellan, the United Cardinal Bloggers commemmorate the first week of spring training by announcing a full week of internet radio with two special guests.

Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 Central, Josh from Pitchers Hit Eighth will be talking with Darren Heitner. Heitner is the agent for Cardinal farmhand Pete Parise, among others. If you've ever wanted to talk to a sports agent, here's your chance!

Wednesday night is the regularly-scheduled version of the UCB Radio Hour at 9:30 pm Central. Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will host with scheduled assistance from his blogging partner Josh and Daniel from C70 At The Bat.

Finally, on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 Central, the Cardinals minor league director John Vuch will be our guest on another special edition of the show. Dustin from Whiteyball and Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth will quiz him about St. Louis's farm system and who we should keep an eye on this season.

The United Cardinal Bloggers have been in existence since 2007 and work together on various projects and discussions. The UCB Radio Hour came out of that in 2008, providing yet another forum for talking Cardinal baseball.

MEMPHIS REDBIRDS PRESS RELEASE

'Birds announce Program Naming Contest
Redbirds new program needs a name

MEMPHIS, TN - The Memphis Redbirds will debut a new game day program this season but first the publication needs a name.

Through the power of social media and the internet the 'Birds hope to tap into the creative minds of their fans to generate a name for the program, which will be free to fans on game days. Using twitter and Facebook fans can submit their entries to name the program. For fans using twitter simply send a @ tweet or direct message to the Redbirds at twitter.com/memphisredbirds. For Facebook users, fans can write their suggestions on Nostalgia Man's wall (facebook.com/nostalgia.man). The new publication will replace the Redbirds yearbook and be produced four separate times with fresh content throughout the season.

The lucky winner will receive two 10-game You Pick 'Em plans, a framed copy of the first program and pre-game recognition on the field on Opening Night. The contest will run through February 26 when all entries will be trimmed down to a list of five for fans to vote on at memphisredbirds.com.

The 'Birds begin their defense of their Pacific Coast League crown on April 8 at Omaha before returning to AutoZone Park for their home opener against Oklahoma City on April 16. For ticket information call 901.721.6000 or visit memphisredbirds.com.

Cards 2010 Pitching...Who's Gonna Step Up?

2010-02-16T10:16:00.000-06:00

Pitching.

Seems like that's the one word that causes everyone to shudder every spring. Pitching. Did you just shudder. I know I did.

At least it's a more relaxed shudder in 2010. Not like a 1999 Darren Oliver, Jose Jimenez, Garrett Stephenson, Kent Mercker shudder. (In '99 those 4 pitchers combined for a whopping 26 wins)...(and don't forget our 9th inning shut down man - Ricky Bottalico. It's always nice where your closer's ERA is hovering around 5.00)

So looking back on how bad it could be does ease my nerves. Carpenter and Wainwright have me at ease. But can Penny and Lohse pitch like times past?

The 2010 CHONE projected line for Penny is a 9-9 record with a respectable 4.13 ERA. But can he put together another 16-4, 3.03 ERA season like he did in 2007 in L.A.?

The CHONE for Lohse is a 9-9 record with a 4.33 ERA. But his question is can he put together a 15-6, 3.78 ERA season like 2008?

Looming questions. But none looms more ominously than, "Who is our fifth starter?" We now know that the Cards have pulled out of the running for Chien-Ming Wang. So I guess they are going with the rarely implemented in-house method on this one. (I hate how sarcasm doesn't show through times new roman, but yes, that was sarcasm.)

Here's what the projected lines are for some of the people up for the job:
Rich Hill: 5-6, 4.78 ERA, 96 IP, 81 K, 52 BB

Mitchell Boggs: 7-9, 4.68 ERA, 148 IP, 98 K, 70 BB
Kyle McClellan: 4-3, 3.71 ERA, 63 IP, 48 K, 25 BB (bullpen)

None of these options seem the unequivocal choice. But you make do with what you have.

Or to refer to the Cardinals mantra, "When life gives you lemons, or rather you picked up some lemons real cheap at Schnucks, you know the lemons that were underneath all the others and all the other shoppers passed them by because they looked kind of rotten, and you give those lemons to Dave Duncan, and he somehow turns them into ice-cold Dr. Pepper." Or insert whatever drink you like to replace Dr. Pepper.

That is all for today children. Enjoy your Tuesday.